Job Discussion Forums

[dmb]

I've worked in a few schools where govt. inspectors have popped in(schools knew in advance) My favourite was when the schools had divided up rooms or changed storage rooms in to classes etc. So when they came new (temp)walls had to be built or knocked down. I also know of cases where teachers were given the day off because they shouldn't be there. Brown envelopes definitely pass hands. I remember the Fast used to employ a govt. official as an adviser and he even had his own office in the Mec. branch(I got kicked out of mine to make room for him)

[kestane]

I've been told that you should get your work permit from outside of the country and that getting one from inside is more problematic. The schools that give them require that English teachers have some experience (2 or more years for British Side) as well as all a diploma, Cert and preferably a DELTA.

It would be interesting to get some statistics on the amount of English teachers working legally compared to illegally.

My guess is 8% legal vs 92% illegal.

I worked at Interlang....you might as well forget that name. The rumor is that English Time is changing all the branches to ET.

It wasn't the worst job I've ever done. Actually, it was okay. The inspectors always seemed to come in when there weren't any classes. Any teachers in the building were told to stay out of sight. Some people would tell you not to worry about the whole permit process, but some are not comfortable with the idea of living off the books. That is for you to decide...of course your qualifications will probably help you to make up your mind.

[MissPinky]

So is it quite normal to not get work permit and visa for Turkey?
Which schools keep their promises of getting them?

[molly farquharson]

i don't think that language schools are AGAINST getting work permits. I think it is more inertia, or that is how i experience it at ET. There is so much to be done on every front and it is an issue that hasn't been resolved very effectively. however, there have been teachers who had work permits, but by the time they came through, the teachers' contracts had finished. there seems to be a groundswell again in that direction, so i hope it actually gets there.

[FGT]

If you work for a legit school that organises a work visa and residence permit, they probably also pay SSK contributions. Does it therefore follow that schools that skate on thin ice in not furnishing teachers with those documents also neglect to pay SSK contributions? How long does a teacher have to be here before that matters to him/her? Are they (the employer) relying on staff NOT staying in order to perpetuate the system?
I ask this because I know of more than one teacher who is banking on the pension after 25 years (roughly half way there at the moment - in theory)!

[djidji]

[justme]

Even if they're making SSK payments, you should check that they're paying you what they really owe you. You can look it up on the SSK website, and use the number on your SSK card to see your own account.

Interlang (pre-ET) got work permits and SSK for a few teachers. However, they reported what they were paying the teachers as less than half of the actual amount, in order to avoid paying full SSK. This practice was not uncommon at the time, and I imagine schools are still doing it.

Even if you can't make them change it, it's worth having a look...

[dmb]

Justme is correct. I know for fact that schools used to say they were paying teachers minimum wage in order to lessen their burden. Does it still go on? I am not sure. Maybe someone in authority can enlighten us.
FGT, if i were your friend relying on a SSK pension I'd be worried.

[Baba Alex]

[dmb]

he is almost as cool as your dog.

but remember bananas aren't just for my birthday(yes it's my b'day today and liverpool will oblige)

[justme]

Happy Birthday, DMB!! I was hoping Wee Justme's birthday would be today, but it's not obliging...

And Baba, that's one cool banana!

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

[justme]

Should be 'IH sticks it to the full-time teacher.'

[FGT]

Re

[Baba Alex]